We are Local Authority comprehensive school with Further Education provision. We are committed to educating the ‘whole person’. Therefore, in addition to providing a broad and balanced academic curriculum, we offer a huge range of extra activities and opportunities to our students. This is made possible through the impressive commitment of our staff and our extensive additional on-campus facilities including:

 

· Our Further Education College

· A Public Library

· A Leisure Centre

· A Construction Centre

· A Young People’s Centre

· A Day Centre for Older People including Care, Learning & Training Centre

· Children’s and Family Centres

· A working Farm unit and Enviro Centre

· A Community Workshop

· Riding Stables & Manège

· The Whitewater Centre for Adults with learning disabilities

· A community Theatre and Concert Hall

· A Fire and Rescue Training Centre

· A Motor Vehicle Training Workshop and Hair and Beauty Training Salon

 

There has been a sustained improvement in exam results in recent years. 2012 GCSE results were the best ever, for the fifth  year running. 68% achieved at least 5A* to C grades and 44% achieved those 5 higher grades including English & Maths. We won national ‘Most Improved Schools’ Awards in both 2008 and 2010. As a consequence of improved results our Sixth Form has increased in size, with many going on to University.

 

We care about the progress of all our students and have extensive support for those with Special Needs. We also have a full-time member of staff working with gifted students, trained peer mentors, on-site counselling, a programme for developing students as leaders, an Attendance Officer and six full-time Year Group Assistants  as  the first contact points between home and college.

 

At my first assembly as their new Principal, in January 2008, and regularly since, I explained to all students what they could expect from me and what I expect from them. I would like to share that with you.

 

My expectations are based on my own three ‘Rs’ all of which begin with the word respect.

 

Respect for education – I want the best staff, teaching, equipment, buildings and results for The Dukeries. I expect students to want the same and behave accordingly.

 

Respect for each other – I believe strongly in the importance of good manners and will always try to show others the right respect. I expect the same from our students towards me, all staff, visitors and each other. This includes respecting all religions, beliefs and races plus showing respect for each other’s property, safety and happiness.

 

Respect for the environment – both in its broadest sense (in terms of reducing damage to the global environment) and on an everyday Dukeries level. This includes reducing waste and not littering or doing damage.

 

I do hope the above has your support and you will want to come and visit us. We welcome visitors and are proud to show them our College and Complex.

 

 

Danny Smith